scholarly journals Predictors and Effects of Usage of an Online Mindfulness Intervention for Distressed Cancer Patients: Usability Study

10.2196/17526 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. e17526
Author(s):  
Linda Cillessen ◽  
Monique OM van de Ven ◽  
Félix R Compen ◽  
Else M Bisseling ◽  
Marije L van der Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Fear Of Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Treatment As Usual

Background One in three cancer patients experience high psychological distress. Mindfulness-based interventions are effective in reducing psychological distress in this patient group. However, these interventions lack availability and flexibility, which may compromise participation in the intervention for cancer patients experiencing late symptoms like fatigue or pain. Therefore, mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly offered via the internet. However, little is known about the usage of these online mindfulness-based interventions. Objective The aim of this study was to (1) predict uptake of and adherence to online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (eMBCT) using baseline patient characteristics (demographic, cancer-related, personality, and psychological variables) and (2) examine the relations between adherence and treatment outcomes in eMBCT for cancer patients. Methods A total of 125 cancer patients were assigned to eMBCT in a parent randomized controlled trial comparing MBCT and eMBCT with treatment as usual in distressed cancer patients. Various usage measures of eMBCT were automatically tracked within the online program. Based on activity of use, participants were classified as nonusers, minimal users, low users, and intended users. Questionnaires were used to assess baseline characteristics (preintervention) and outcomes (pre- and postintervention). To answer the research questions, data were analyzed with t tests, χ2 tests, and linear regression models. Results Based on weekly activity, participants were classified as nonusers (n=17, 13.6%), who completed no exercises in MBCT; minimal users (n=31, 24.8%), who completed at least one exercise of one to three sessions; low users (n=12, 9.6%), who completed at least one exercise of four to seven sessions; and intended users (n=65, 52.0%), who completed at least one exercise of eight to nine sessions. Nonusers had more fear of cancer recurrence at baseline than users (uptake), and intended users were more conscientious than minimal and low users (adherence). Intended users reported a larger reduction in psychological distress and more improvement of positive mental health (ie, emotional, psychological, and social well-being) after the intervention than other participants. Conclusions This study showed that adherence was related to improved patient outcomes. Patients with strong fear of recurrence or low levels of conscientiousness should receive extra attention, as they are less likely to respectively start or complete eMBCT. Future research may focus on the development of flexible and adaptive eMBCT programs to fit individual needs.

scholarly journals Predictors and Effects of Usage of an Online Mindfulness Intervention for Distressed Cancer Patients: Usability Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Cillessen ◽  
Monique OM van de Ven ◽  
Félix R Compen ◽  
Else M Bisseling ◽  
Marije L van der Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Fear Of Recurrence ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Treatment As Usual

BACKGROUND One in three cancer patients experience high psychological distress. Mindfulness-based interventions are effective in reducing psychological distress in this patient group. However, these interventions lack availability and flexibility, which may compromise participation in the intervention for cancer patients experiencing late symptoms like fatigue or pain. Therefore, mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly offered via the internet. However, little is known about the usage of these online mindfulness-based interventions. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to (1) predict uptake of and adherence to online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (eMBCT) using baseline patient characteristics (demographic, cancer-related, personality, and psychological variables) and (2) examine the relations between adherence and treatment outcomes in eMBCT for cancer patients. METHODS A total of 125 cancer patients were assigned to eMBCT in a parent randomized controlled trial comparing MBCT and eMBCT with treatment as usual in distressed cancer patients. Various usage measures of eMBCT were automatically tracked within the online program. Based on activity of use, participants were classified as nonusers, minimal users, low users, and intended users. Questionnaires were used to assess baseline characteristics (preintervention) and outcomes (pre- and postintervention). To answer the research questions, data were analyzed with t tests, χ<sup>2</sup> tests, and linear regression models. RESULTS Based on weekly activity, participants were classified as nonusers (n=17, 13.6%), who completed no exercises in MBCT; minimal users (n=31, 24.8%), who completed at least one exercise of one to three sessions; low users (n=12, 9.6%), who completed at least one exercise of four to seven sessions; and intended users (n=65, 52.0%), who completed at least one exercise of eight to nine sessions. Nonusers had more fear of cancer recurrence at baseline than users (uptake), and intended users were more conscientious than minimal and low users (adherence). Intended users reported a larger reduction in psychological distress and more improvement of positive mental health (ie, emotional, psychological, and social well-being) after the intervention than other participants. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that adherence was related to improved patient outcomes. Patients with strong fear of recurrence or low levels of conscientiousness should receive extra attention, as they are less likely to respectively start or complete eMBCT. Future research may focus on the development of flexible and adaptive eMBCT programs to fit individual needs.

A feasibility and acceptability study of an adaptation of the Mindful Self-Compassion program for adult cancer patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-140
Author(s):  
Joanne Brooker ◽  
John Julian ◽  
Jeremy Millar ◽  
H. Miles Prince ◽  
Melita Kenealy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Psychosocial Wellbeing ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

AbstractObjectivesPsychosocial interventions that mitigate psychosocial distress in cancer patients are important. The primary aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an adaptation of the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program among adult cancer patients. A secondary aim was to examine pre–post-program changes in psychosocial wellbeing.MethodThe research design was a feasibility and acceptability study, with an examination of pre- to post-intervention changes in psychosocial measures. A study information pack was posted to 173 adult cancer patients 6 months–5 years post-diagnosis, with an invitation to attend an eight-week group-based adaptation of the MSC program.ResultsThirty-two (19%) consented to the program, with 30 commencing. Twenty-seven completed the program (mean age: 62.93 years, SD 14.04; 17 [63%] female), attending a mean 6.93 (SD 1.11) group sessions. There were no significant differences in medico-demographic factors between program-completers and those who did not consent. However, there was a trend toward shorter time since diagnosis in the program-completers group. Program-completers rated the program highly regarding content, relevance to the concerns of cancer patients, and the likelihood of recommending the program to other cancer patients. Sixty-three percent perceived that their mental wellbeing had improved from pre- to post-program; none perceived a deterioration in mental wellbeing. Small-to-medium effects were observed for depressive symptoms, fear of cancer recurrence, stress, loneliness, body image satisfaction, mindfulness, and self-compassion.Significance of resultsThe MSC program appears feasible and acceptable to adults diagnosed with non-advanced cancer. The preliminary estimates of effect sizes in this sample suggest that participation in the program was associated with improvements in psychosocial wellbeing. Collectively, these findings suggest that there may be value in conducting an adequately powered randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy of the MSC program in enhancing the psychosocial wellbeing of cancer patients.

scholarly journals Brief collaborative care intervention to reduce perceived unmet needs in highly distressed breast cancer patients: randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatsuo Akechi ◽  
Kanae Momino ◽  
Fujika Katsuki ◽  
Hiroko Yamashita ◽  
Hiroshi Sugiura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Collaborative Care ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Fear Of Recurrence ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Care Intervention

Abstract Objectives Our newly developed brief collaborative care intervention program has been suggested to be effective in reducing breast cancer patients’ unmet needs and psychological distress; however, there has been no controlled trial to investigate its effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the program in relation to patients’ perceived needs and other relevant outcomes for patients including quality of life, psychological distress and fear of recurrence (Clinical trial register; UMIN-CTR, Clinical registration number; R5172). Methods Fifty-nine highly distressed breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy were randomly assigned either to a treatment as usual group or to a collaborative care intervention, consisting of four sessions that mainly included assessment of the patients’ perceived needs, learning skills of problem-solving treatment for coping with unmet needs and psycho-education provided by trained nurses supervised by a psycho-oncologist. Results Although &gt;80% of the eligible patients agreed to participate, and &gt;90% of participants completed the intervention, there were no significant differences with regard to patients’ needs, quality of life, psychological distress and fear of recurrence, both at 1 and 3 months after intervention. Conclusion Newly developed brief collaborative care intervention program was found to be feasible and acceptable. The trial, however, failed to show the effectiveness of the program on patients’ relevant subjective outcomes. Further intervention program having both brevity and sufficient intensity should be developed in future studies.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Qigong in Managing a Cluster of Symptoms (Breathlessness-Fatigue-Anxiety) in Patients with Lung Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 153473542110082
Author(s):  
Alex Molassiotis ◽  
Dau Van Vu ◽  
Shirley Siu Yin Ching
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Symptom Cluster ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Interaction Effect ◽  
Lung Cancer Patients ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

Background and Purpose: Qigong is used by cancer patients, but its effect is not adequately evaluated to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Qigong for the management of a symptom cluster comprising fatigue, dyspnea, and anxiety in patients with lung cancer. Methodology: A total of 156 lung cancer patients participated in this trial, and they were randomized to a Qigong group (6 weeks of intervention) or a waitlist control group receiving usual care. The symptom cluster was assessed at baseline, at the end of treatment (primary outcome), and at 12 weeks, alongside measures of cough and quality of life (QOL). Results: There was no significant interaction effect between group and time for the symptom cluster overall and for fatigue and anxiety. However, a significant trend towards improvement was observed on fatigue ( P = .004), dyspnea ( P = .002), and anxiety ( P = .049) in the Qigong group from baseline assessment to the end of intervention at the 6th week (within-group changes). Improvements in dyspnea and in the secondary outcomes of cough, global health status, functional well-being and QOL symptom scales were statistically significant between the 2 groups ( P = .001, .014, .021, .001, and .002, respectively). Conclusion: Qigong did not alleviate the symptom cluster experience. Nevertheless, this intervention was effective in reducing dyspnea and cough, and improving QOL. More than 6 weeks were needed, however, for detecting the effect of Qigong on improving dyspnea. Furthermore, men benefited more than women. It may not be beneficial to use Qigong to manage the symptom cluster consisting of fatigue, dyspnea, and anxiety, but it may be effective in managing respiratory symptoms (secondary outcomes needing further verification in future research). Future studies targeting symptom clusters should ensure the appropriateness of the combination of symptoms. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02977845. Registered November 30, 2016. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02977845?term=Qigong&cond=Lung+Cancer&draw=2&rank=1

scholarly journals Brief psychotherapy in Alzheimer's disease

2005 ◽  
Vol 187 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alistair Burns ◽  
Else Guthrie ◽  
Federica Marino-Francis ◽  
Charlotte Busby ◽  
Julie Morris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Good Evidence ◽  
Psychotherapeutic Intervention ◽  
Interpersonal Therapy ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Affective Symptoms

BackgroundAlthough there is good evidence that interventions for carers of people with Alzheimer's disease can reduce stress, no systematic studies have investigated psychotherapeutic intervention for patients themselves. This may be important in the earlier stages of Alzheimer's disease, where insight is often preserved.AimsThe aim was to assess, in a randomised controlled trial, whether psychotherapeutic intervention could benefit cognitive function, affective symptoms and global well-being.MethodIndividuals were randomised to receive six sessions of psychodynamic interpersonal therapy or treatment as usual; cognitive function, activities of daily living, a global measure of change, and carer stress and coping were assessed prior to and after the intervention.ResultsNo improvement was found on the majority of outcome measures. There was a suggestion that therapy had improved the carers' reactions to some of the symptoms.ConclusionsThere is no evidence to support the widespread introduction of brief psychotherapeutic approaches for those with Alzheimer's disease. However, the technique was acceptable and helpful individually.

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